Gerrard pulled up sore during the first half of Liverpool’s recent friendly against Valerenga, sparking fears that he had suffered a recurrence of his long-standing groin problem.
However, Reds boss Rafael Benitez confirmed that his skipper is only carrying a slight strain in his thigh, and insisted he should be fit and firing in a week’s time.
But the 27-year-old is nonetheless in doubt for his side’s upcoming Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege, and his basence could have vast implications for the shape of Benitez’s squad this season.
For, with Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano away on Olympic duty, Alonso would be a certainty to feature against the Belgians should his skipper lose the fitness race.
Prior to EURO 2008 in June it seemed almost inconceivable that the Basque playmaker would be at Anfield come August, as his proposed move to Juventus appeared all but wrapped up.
But that deal collapsed, causing the Reds’ interest in Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to waver somewhat due to lack of funds - and perhaps lack of need, for that matter.
And if Alonso takes the field against Liege he will be cup-tied, which would cause his value to drop markedly and almost certainly see Liverpool take him off the market.
However, if Gerrard misses the clash and Alonso still does not feature, it would be as clear an indication as any that the Spain star’s days on Merseyside are numbered.
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